Perfectly Fluffy Butter Swim Biscuits

By: Maria
Posted: 04/24/2025

If you’re searching for a biscuit recipe that’s incredibly buttery, golden on the outside, and perfectly fluffy on the inside, look no further than Butter Swim Biscuits. These Southern-style biscuits are baked in a pool of melted butter, creating crisp edges and a tender, cloud-like center that’s pure magic. Whether served with breakfast, dipped in gravy, or alongside your favorite dinner, Perfectly Fluffy Butter Swim Biscuits will quickly become your go-to comfort bake.

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Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Substitutions

Buttermilk: Use regular milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar as a homemade substitute.
Unsalted butter: Salted butter works too—just reduce added salt by ½ tsp.
All-purpose flour: Can be swapped with self-rising flour (omit baking powder and salt if using it).
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Butter Swim Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in buttermilk and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour melted butter into an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
Spoon biscuit dough directly into the dish and gently spread it out to the edges.
Score the dough into 9 squares using a butter knife.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mix-ins

Add shredded cheddar and chopped chives for cheesy biscuits.
Mix in cooked crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
For a touch of sweetness, stir in 1 tbsp honey or a pinch of cinnamon and sugar.

Recipe Tips

Use cold buttermilk to help keep the dough tender.
Do not overmix the dough—stir just until moistened.
Scoring the dough before baking helps guide cutting after it bakes.
Let the biscuits rest in the pan after baking so the butter absorbs fully.

Storage

Store leftover Butter Swim Biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warm.
Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months—wrap individually and store in a zip-top bag.

Recipe Variations

Sweet Butter Biscuits: Add 2 tbsp sugar and a splash of vanilla for dessert-style biscuits.
Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits: Stir garlic powder and dried herbs into the dough and the melted butter.
Mini versions: Use a muffin tin for individual servings with crispy edges.

FAQs

What are butter swim biscuits?
They are biscuits that are baked in a layer of melted butter, giving them a crispy bottom and edges with a fluffy, soft center.

Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes! Just mix 1 ¾ cups milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why are they called “swim” biscuits?
Because they literally bake while “swimming” in melted butter, which creates their unique texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 baking dish and double all ingredients. Add a few extra minutes to baking time as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Butter Swim Biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to bake. You can also bake the biscuits completely and store them. Baked biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked biscuits individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What substitutions can I make if I don’t have buttermilk or all-purpose flour?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using. For all-purpose flour, you can swap it with self-rising flour; in this case, you’ll need to omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend also works as a substitute. Remember that using salted butter will alter the recipe, so reduce the salt by ½ tsp.

How do I know when the Butter Swim Biscuits are perfectly baked?

The Butter Swim Biscuits are perfectly baked when they are golden brown on top and set in the middle. You can gently press the top of a biscuit; it should spring back slightly. The edges will be crispy and the interior will be soft and fluffy. A visual cue is the golden-brown color; the aroma of baking bread and butter will also indicate doneness. Baking time is typically 20-25 minutes at 450°F (230°C), but it’s best to check at the 20-minute mark.

Can I double the recipe for Butter Swim Biscuits?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and double all the ingredients accordingly. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so start checking for doneness around 20 minutes and add a few extra minutes as needed until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Remember to score the dough before baking.

What are the nutritional highlights of Butter Swim Biscuits?

Butter Swim Biscuits provide carbohydrates from the flour and some protein from the buttermilk. The butter adds fat, which contributes to the rich flavor and texture. While not a health food, the biscuits can be a source of calcium (from the buttermilk) and, depending on mix-ins, can include added nutrients. For example, adding whole wheat flour will increase the fiber content.